CURRENT MISSION

To experience the beauty and wonders of the world, beyond what the media portrays.

ABOUT ME

Well, my life certainly has it's ups and downs, along with periods of activity and quietness. I got started with Couchsurfing while studying abroad in Lille, France back in the spring of 2008, successfully staying with two hosts during my side travels. Since returning home from that experience, I graduated from college - first once and then a second time! I also moved out on my own for a few years (with my cat of course!), and tried to get settled into a steady life. I kept myself rather busy between working as a Paramedic with one service full time, part-time at a second, occasional lifeguard, and a costumer for theater! Despite the very crazy and chaos that often ensued, I enjoyed the direction things were going and was finally able to start traveling again.

Except, while on my first international travel in early 2016 (my first real trip since my time in France) my full time job filed bankruptcy and closed on us without prior notice! In the year afterward, I recovered financially, shuffled between a few jobs - but eventually realized that I no longer felt at home there. And with everything else going on, my eyes and mind started drifting back abroad.

So I decided to stir things up a bit! I put my life "on hold" by "moving" back home (aka basing myself at my parents for a physical US address), drastically downsized my belongings, and quit my jobs - all to travel and see where the wind takes me. I started off with one extended 5-6 months of traveling last year, returning back home for a brief timeframe to rebuild the bank account before heading off on the next journey. That trip ended up being another life-changing experience for me. When I returned home, the old life reared it's head again and landed me in a funk. Thankfully, the pathway out was decided - off I went to New Zealand on a year-long Working Holiday Visa. It's been QUITE an experience down here and life has thrown me some curveballs, but I'm still here and trying to stay as long as they let me!

So far, it's been quite interesting and life-changing! It'll be exciting to see where this new direction will take me, and I hope Couchsurfing will aide me along the way like it has before.

PHILOSOPHY

I've always given great thoughts to things like this... and still nowhere near finding an answer! But I do my best to live each day to its fullest, to not let opportunities pass me by without at least considering them...

I like to go with the flow of things but am stuck in a world where things are rigid and planned out.... so I do my best to mix the two into one!

"Aim for the moon, for if you miss you'll land among the stars."
~ Annonymous ~

"I went to the woods because I wanted to live deliberately, I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, to put to rout all that was not life; and not, when i had come to die, discover that I had not lived."
~ Henry David Thoreau ~

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I am unable to host, as I'm flatting myself at the moment. But I've gone to a couple of the Christchurch CS meetings and am keen to hang out if you're passing through!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I first couchsurfed in London and in Paris - and had amazing times in both places! I was able to do and see things that I would not have been able to do if I just stayed in a hostel or hotel - such as going bar hopping on Canal St. Martin with my host and his friends for a birthday party. That area wasn't even on my radar to visit, yet ended up being on of the highlights of my trip to Paris! Plus, there's a personal touch and experience that you get when staying with someone who lives in the city, and easily lends to a new friend to boot! After that entire trip, I had another experience in Washington D.C. when my sister and I stayed with a host while visiting to see a show. Each time has given a new experience and depth to the trip and I always welcome more opportunities. During my last trip, I not only stayed with Couchsurfers across Russia, but went to a few meetings as well - especially in Mongolia! Each stay or meeting reminded me why I enjoy Couchsurfing.

Interests

The best way to explain my interests is to note that I am a stereotypical Gemini - I know a little about a lot! Thus, my interests are very odd and wide-ranging including music, movies, theater, swimming, photography, dancing, cooking, sleeping, traveling, brewing, playing piano, sewing, drawing, etc.

The trouble is, life and work often gets in the way of interests. I'm always open for new experiences as well.

• theater
• performing arts
• photography
• beauty
• dancing
• cooking
• coffee
• partying
• movies
• traveling
• drawing
• music
• piano
• swimming

Music, Movies, and Books

As for movies... my favorite would have to be Free Willy - I know.. it's cheesy but it's one I grew up with and will always make me happy when I'm feeling down! But i really would watch anything, though some documentaries tend to be a bit boring!

For music... I tend to like more show tunes and soundtracks, but will listen and own almost any kind of music. I'm not a big fan of rap though or heavy metal but that doesn't mean I wouldn't hold it against you!

For books - I have always loved to read and could list millions of authors and books I enjoy - but to save you the time in reading it all... I won't! As long as something has a good story to it, keeps me interested, and especially if it's recommended to me - then I'll probably try to read it!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

For the longest time, I did not think I would change this from my prior answer - yet, I've had an experience that certainly surpasses it. In Oct 2017, I spent 15 days traveling around Tibet, a dream trip itself for me! While on that trek, I successfully completed the 3-day kora around Mt Kailash, culminated by the Dolma La pass at 5,630m - It ended up being significantly more challenging that I initially expected, and at the same time profoundly spiritual in a way that I had not considered.

Teach, Learn, Share

One thing that Couchsurfing, as well as the 5 months I spent living in France made me realize is that you have to have an open mind to anything. Things can come up last minute, and you should be able to adapt. Also, having an open mind well help you in many aspects of life. I feel that if people opened their minds up to new things, the world would become a better place.

What I Can Share with Hosts

It's hard to think of what I can offer to hosts - because there are so many options! Some might enjoy a good home cooked meal, others might enjoy sharing a night on the town, and some might prefer sitting and chatting out our life experiences over coffee. I also have slowly improved upon my photography skills - perhaps we could arrange for a shoot somewhere cool? (I promise that you will have the photos within 1 year... maybe!) I'm positive that we can find something to share and relate, and if not - we can always go create a great experience!

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, China, England, France, Iceland, Mongolia, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Russian Federation, Scotland, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, New Zealand, United States

•